AlexLees column

A FEW days on from being handed my county cap by Yorkshire, it still remains a huge privilege to be part of a long list of players who have been capped by this great county.

It’s a special feeling, particularly in the season we’ve won the County Championship.

It wasn’t something I was expecting, to be honest. There’s a set criteria now and you have to perform consistently for a couple of years.

I’ve played well this year and stepped up with the runs and I genuinely thought I’d get it next year. But it was a bonus and a perfect way to finish a fantastic year for the club and a good year for myself.

I knew before I got out onto the field before the match that I’d get it – but I hadn’t been told it was going to happen before I got to the ground. It was a really nice surprise.

You obviously get a new cap but there’s also a new helmet, new jumpers and a cap number given to you as well. I think I’m cap number 176 or 177, although it’s not been confirmed yet.

There’s also the honour that goes with being a capped player now and being part of Yorkshire’s history for ever.

I’ve only got the jumpers for one game because I’m sure we’ll be getting new gear ahead of next year, so I think I’ll be getting it signed up and framed. It was a really nice day and one I’ll always remember.

It’s been a good summer for me with nearly 1,000 runs in the Championship, although I’m disappointed not to have been able to convert a few more hundreds because I pride myself on getting those.

That’s the only thing I’m disappointed with this year. But you’re not always going to get hundreds and I got into some good positions, which is encouraging.

When I’ve got to 50 in the past, I’ve usually gone on. It’s something I’ve got to make sure I’m back on hopefully this winter and next year. I’ll try and get some big scores next summer.